Chennai Etiquette and Safety Tips for First-Time Visitors

Temples and places of worship

In 2015 the Madras High Court ordered a dress code for temples under the state's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department: men in a dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth, or formal trousers and shirt, and women in a sari, half sari or churidhar with an upper cloth. Shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops were listed as unsuitable. The order was described as interim, and temples vary in how they enforce it. The safest choice is simple, covered clothing.

Footwear is left outside, and slip-on sandals are easiest. San Thome Basilica and mosques such as Wallajah Mosque in Triplicane are also places of worship, so dress modestly and keep your voice low. Ask before photographing people or inside shrines.

Many temples have their own rules about cameras, phones and bags, and some restrict entry to the inner shrine to those following the dress code. If the dress code is enforced, a cloth wrap, such as a shawl or dupatta, can often fix a problem at short notice. If you are unsure, watch what other visitors are wearing.

At the beach

Wikipedia states that bathing and swimming at Marina Beach are legally prohibited because of a turbulent undercurrent, and that there are no lifeguards. That is the one rule not to bend. Weekends and festival days are very crowded, with Kaanum Pongal drawing around 150,000 people, so keep children close and agree a meeting point.

Keep bags zipped and phones in front pockets when you walk in a crowd.

In the heat of the day the sand is hot, so footwear is welcome until you reach the waterline. Keep a plastic bag for rubbish, because the beach is busy and bins are not always near. If you see someone in trouble in the water, do not enter the sea yourself and call for help immediately.

Heat, water and health

Chennai is hot and humid for most of the year, and late May to early June is the peak. Drink water regularly, wear a hat and light cotton, and avoid long walks between noon and 4 PM. In the rains, take care on wet pavements and avoid flooded stretches. If someone feels dizzy or unwell, go indoors, rest, and seek medical help early. Apollo Hospital on Greams Road is about 10 minutes from Hotel Royal King, which is a distance reference only.

The northeast monsoon from mid-September to mid-December brings the heaviest rain, and Wikipedia notes flooding in 2015 and 2023 after cyclones and depressions. If heavy rain is forecast, avoid underpasses and low-lying roads, and check with the hotel before you set out. Keep important documents in a waterproof pouch.

Money, autos and cabs

The official auto fare structure has been unchanged since 2013 at Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 per additional km, with a revision under discussion, according to DT Next, so what drivers ask may differ. Agree the fare before you get in, or use an app, and keep small notes. Check that the cab matches the app's details before boarding.

Carry some cash and a UPI app. Small eateries may prefer cash.

Small purchases are made in cash in many local shops. Ask for a bill where possible and count your change. If you plan to use an ATM, choose one inside a bank or a mall, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Keep a copy of your ID and booking details separate from your wallet.

If you travel by metro, keep your ticket or QR code ready, stand clear of the doors and let passengers exit before boarding. On buses, you may need to move quickly, since stops can be short. Offer your seat to elders and to people with young children, which is common courtesy everywhere.

Crowds, queues and manners

Queues at temples and shops can be long, and patience helps. Greet people politely, use your right hand for giving and receiving where you can, and avoid pointing your feet at people or altars. These are general courtesies, so follow what locals around you do. On match days at Chepauk and festival days at T Nagar, expect crowds and diversions, and allow extra time.

With families and groups, a shared contact on every phone helps, along with the hotel's phone number: +91 73973 96612. Speak politely to drivers and staff, and learn a few Tamil phrases such as vanakkam for hello and nandri for thank you. A smile goes a long way.

Your hotel as a base

Hotel Royal King has 24-hour security with CCTV, a 24-hour front desk and a lift. Keep valuables in the room, carry a photo ID and keep the hotel address handy: No. 9, Perumal Mudali Road, behind Woodlands Theatre, Royapettah. Message or call Hotel Royal King on +91 73973 96612 with your dates and number of guests. Rates are per room, per night, so please reconfirm the current rate and taxes when you book.

Small habits matter in a new city. Keep a copy of your ID in your bag, share your plans with a family member, and agree on a meeting point if you travel in a group. If you lose something, tell the hotel's front desk quickly, since they can help you contact local services. Keep your phone's emergency contacts up to date, and save the hotel's number before you leave.